"Coming right out of a doping ban, Ryan Crowley signed by EFC as replacement for one of 12 banned for doping offenses. I do give up."

Crowley was given a 12-month backdated suspension after testing positive to a banned drug in 2014. He said he had taken the banned substance methadone inadvertently for medical reasons.

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Others who took a dim view on Essendon's first choice of top-up player after 12 Essendon footballers, including captain Jobe Watson, were banned last week, could not resist pointing out the irony.

"Ryan Crowley will be offered a spot at Essendon if he passes a medical this week. I don't need to add anything anymore," one user said.

"Ryan Crowley a good signing by Essendon. But you couldn't pack more irony into this story if you tried. Ahmed Saad next up?" said another.

Some people defended the footballer, saying he had "done the time", and many Essendon supporters wished him luck and welcomed him to the team.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport's banning of 34 past and present Essendon footballers opened up 12 spots on the club's playing list this season.

Former St Kilda forward Ahmed Saad, who was given an 18-month ban after taking a banned drug, has also declared an interest in joining the Bombers this year.

"It would be a great opportunity for players like me who just got out of the system but also for players that haven't had the opportunity yet to play AFL footy and have been on the cusp of getting drafted," he said last week.

Crowley, who will begin training with his new team on Wednesday, played 188 games for the Dockers, including the 2013 grand final.

Coming right out of a doping ban, Ryan Crowley signed by EFC as replacement for one of 12 banned for doping offenses. I do give up.